Fringe – The Complete Third Season Blu-rayReview

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Another twist-filled season of the JJ Abrams series.

By R.L. Shaffer

Fringe is really slipping into X-Files territory these days. The show is slowly building its cult audience by constantly expanding its mythos and characters in ways rather reminiscent of how the folks behind The X-Files did it. And, with the cancellation of shows like The Event, Fringe is currently standing as the only Lost-clone still on the air, likely thanks to Lost-creator JJ Abrams, who brought this series to life.

Reaction to this third season of Fringe, however, was decidedly mixed. While many fans and critics loved it, including IGN's own, Ramsey Isler (you can read a full review of Season Three here), there were others who got lost in the show's more tangled subplots and heavy mythology. Basically, if you miss an episode, expect to be a little lost (not unlike The X-Files). It's pretty undeniable, though, Season Three started out with a bang, expanding the series' universe even further while continuing to explore the characters in exciting, new ways.

Alas, the narrative took a somewhat muddled turn about halfway through the season. While the show did regain some stride toward the end, it was a less exciting, intriguing close. However you cut it, this third season of Fringe represents a turning point for the show. Instead of some "on-the-brink" sci-fi series, Fringe has evolved into a brand – a potential franchise with lasting power. And I imagine now that it's one of the only remaining primetime sci-fi shows out there we'll see this beloved series continue to mystify, perhaps now more than ever before. Let's hope Fox doesn't cut this upcoming fourth season short if the ratings dwindle this year. Fingers crossed.

Fringe - The Complete Third Season arrives on Blu-ray packed onto four BD50 discs. The show is presented in 1080p/AVC and mixed in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. The set includes all 22 episodes from season three.

No surprise here, the A/V presentation is outstanding. The transfers are colorful and bold, with only a faint tinge of noise every now and then. Flesh tones are spot on, and blacks are well defined. Textures and details are vivid and often rather striking. Next to Lost, this is some of the TV-on-Blu-ray out there.

Audio isn't quite as daring, but it's still terrific for a TV series. The show doesn't really take full advantage of the DTS-HD Master Audio high-res sound field, but it's an engaging, clean mix regardless. Surrounds are frequently used and bass is well mixed. Again, it's nothing earth-shaking, but it's rather engaging regardless.

Extras are pretty impressive, too. Expect the usual assortment of goodies, mostly found on disc four, including a gag reel, promos and brief EPK featurettes (three total, running about 17 minutes). There's also a slew of production featurettes running about 30 minutes total. And two insightful commentary tracks, one for "The Plateau" on disc one and one for "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide" on disc four. Video materials are presented in HD.

There's even some Blu-ray exclusive material, including a Maximum Movie Mode, called Glimmer to the Other Side, for the episode, "OS," found on disc three. It's a rounded, interesting experience packed with behind-the-scenes info, interviews and more. While not the world's best MMM track, it's nice to see Warner experimenting with using this innovation on TV shows. The set also includes BD-Live functionality.

Fringe - The Complete Third Season is a bit too twisted and perhaps convoluted for newbies to jump on board, but longtime fans and cult audiences should eat this four-disc set right up. If you're a lover of sci-fi, most notably The X-Files or Lost, I'd highly recommend going back to Season One and giving this show a whirl. It's some of the best sci-fi currently on TV. Help it stay on the air.